Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty has secured a second term representing Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ. The former U.S. ambassador to Japan defeated Democrat Marquita Bradshaw in a rematch of their 2020 contest, though this year's margin was significantly narrower.
With 81 percent of ballots tallied, Hagerty led Bradshaw by roughly seven points, 52.66 percent to 45.73 percent. In their first matchup four years ago, Hagerty won by nearly 30 points, reflecting a much more competitive race this cycle.
Hagerty entered Election Day as the clear favorite, backed by former President Trump, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Gov. Bill Lee (R). His victory continues a long Republican hold on Tennessee's Senate seats; a Democrat has not won a Senate race in the Volunteer State since 1988.
During his first term, Hagerty has served on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, among other assignments. His reelection ensures that Tennessee's GOP delegation remains firmly in the Senate majority's conservative wing.
Bradshaw, a Memphis-based environmental and community activist, ran on a platform focused on economic justice, healthcare access, and voting rights. She outperformed her 2020 showing but could not overcome the state's deep-red electorate.
Hagerty's victory adds to a strong night for Senate Republicans, who have successfully defended several incumbents in reliably conservative states. Similar outcomes have played out in South Dakota, where Sen. Mike Rounds also won another term, and in Alabama, where a new GOP senator boosted Trump's influence.
With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, every seat matters. Hagerty's win shores up the Republican column, though Democrats have also picked up seats elsewhere, such as a surprise flip in Utah's 1st District.
Hagerty, a Nashville businessman and former economic adviser to Trump, is expected to remain a reliable vote for the administration's agenda on trade, foreign policy, and deregulation. His committee roles will likely keep him at the center of debates over banking reform and international relations.
In his victory speech, Hagerty thanked Tennessee voters for their trust and pledged to continue fighting for conservative principles in Washington. Bradshaw conceded the race and urged her supporters to remain engaged in civic life.
